Is It Just Me Or,,,

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 4:15 am

does old school percolated coffee just taste better?

Every now and then I get nostalgic and take the extra time on a
Saturday morning and perk coffee and make bacon and eggs in
an old iron frying pan. Done of coarse outdoors (back porch) over
my vintage 1978 Coleman LP stove.

guido4198 · Post by **guido4198** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 5:24 am

I finally quit trying to get good HOT coffee out of all those drip machines. We went through all kinds of them over the years....even the "high-end" ones. NEVER got coffee hot enough to suit me. FINALLY droppped back to the "old school" Stainless Steel Hamilton Beach percolator just like Dad used for decades.
ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD. I only fill it to the "4-cup" line, and it's at least as fast...if not faster...than those plastic drip machines.

milton · Post by **milton** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 5:30 am

I don't think it is your imagination at all! My wife and myself always prepare percolated coffee in a pot we bought from Cabela's.We tried other ways but there is just something about perc'd coffee.It also helps if the power is out and it is cold or you are camping,something about the necessity and great taste!

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 6:05 am

Such refined tastes you guys have. I seldom drink coffee, other than when camping, but yep, a percolator is the way to go. Almost cowboy coffee, it's the grounds you get between your teeth!

M. M. Wright · Post by **M. M. Wright** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 6:56 am

That's cool but I learned to drink coffee in Louisiana. Seaport in between made in a dripolator. You better not boil it when reheating or you've "burned the coffee". Up here in Oklahoma the closest I can find is a medium roast that I make in the plastic machine. Still miss the Seaport.

Pitchy · Post by **Pitchy** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 8:16 am

I wouldn`t know, every morning when the wife makes coffee i ask her if she smells that skunk

I do agree that made the old fasion way food tastes better.

missionary5155 · Post by **missionary5155** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 8:20 am

Good morning
After the dripper coffee maker has a good bunch in the plastic thing I put them into the "old school" and brew up something that tastes like coffee. My wife thinks I am a bit odd but the coffee tastes right.
Mike in ILL.

damienph · Post by **damienph** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 9:02 am

M. M. Wright wrote:That's cool but I learned to drink coffee in Louisiana. Seaport in between made in a dripolator. You better not boil it when reheating or you've "burned the coffee". Up here in Oklahoma the closest I can find is a medium roast that I make in the plastic machine. Still miss the Seaport.

I get my coffee mailed to me from Louisiana; dark roast Community Coffee brand brewed in a drip pot on the stove.

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 9:17 am

As for drip machines, I agree, they just don't seem to get the flavor out of the coffee. I currently use a Keurig machine. Each cup is brewed individually, and you can select the temperature and size. This way you get it as hot and strong as you like. I does cost more, whether you buy the coffee in premeasured "pots" or use regular coffee in the adapter (my preferred way on the weekends).

I've given it a try, and you could get two cups out of the adapter, but the second just seems a bit too mild for me. One good thing is that during the week, I can make just one cup, in the morning. Then too, when entertaining, everyone can have what ever type of coffee the want, be it a light, medium, bold or (yuck) flavored.

tattoo13 · Post by **tattoo13** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 9:36 am

Most drip coffee makers do not get hot enough, they run 160-180.
Coffee is best brewed at 200 degrees, the flavor really comes out of the grounds.
My favorite way to brew is a french press, every coffee drinker I know that has tried coffee out of my french press has started shopping for their own.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 9:42 am

I like my Braun dripper. The cooking thermometer sez it's 190....I have to admit, my blue w/white spots perker makes good coffee, too.

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 10:00 am

BlaineG wrote:I like my Braun dripper. The cooking thermometer sez it's 190....I have to admit, my blue w/white spots perker makes good coffee, too.

Blaine ya didn't let me down

Somehow I knew you had a blue & white speckled perk pot too

I have a good feeling o'll Pitchster has one or two as well

Panzercat · Post by **Panzercat** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 10:18 am

Hey, try something out of this--

It's a vacuum style coffee maker. Been around for a while believe it or not. Water it in the bottom, filter in between and coffee in the top. Put it over heat and the water boils in sealed bottom, forcing it up via pressure to the top and the coffee (shown in pic). Once that's done, you take it off the heat, pressure in the bottom reduces and the coffee filters back through the bottom. Take the top off and you have your coffee.

Yeah, it's a bit over the top but pretty darn cool. I bought my dad one for the novelty value once.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 10:43 am

Panzercat wrote:Hey, try something out of this--

It's a vacuum style coffee maker. Been around for a while believe it or not. Water it in the bottom, filter in between and coffee in the top. Put it over heat and the water boils in sealed bottom, forcing it up via pressure to the top and the coffee (shown in pic). Once that's done, you take it off the heat, pressure in the bottom reduces and the coffee filters back through the bottom. Take the top off and you have your coffee.

Yeah, it's a bit over the top but pretty darn cool. I bought my dad one for the novelty value once.

I'd have that sucker in 100 pieces within a week

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 11:30 am

Yep!! Glass + pressure = me burnt, cut & or blown up

Canuck Bob · Post by **Canuck Bob** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 11:44 am

My lovely wife is German. We use the little cone with a paper filter used for each cup. She sold me, always hot from the kettle boil and fresh. Beside she makes it and I drink it, good deal!

I even stopped perking in the bush. I grew up in a family that brewed tea over a fire in a pot. The way grandpa brewed it from the grub box it made coffee a real wimpy drink. Now, give me a cup of joe any day.

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 12:39 pm

Canuck Bob wrote:My lovely wife is German. We use the little cone with a paper filter used for each cup. She sold me, always hot from the kettle boil and fresh. Beside she makes it and I drink it, good deal!

I even stopped perking in the bush. I grew up in a family that brewed tea over a fire in a pot. The way grandpa brewed it from the grub box it made coffee a real wimpy drink. Now, give me a cup of joe any day.

That sounds like the old Melita setup. Good coffee, but messy.

As to the vacuum "brewer" I've tried it and yep, broke it. But the coffee was good.

In regards to french press. I've got a couple, and I have to admit they make darned good coffee. Nice for a time when time isn't an issue. My only complaint was that it took quite a few tries to get the coffee measure just right. And once found, it works only for that coffee and that grind. Switch either and it's back to the drawing board.

Malamute · Post by **Malamute** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 1:11 pm

I received one of the blue/white camp pots with a percolator in it as a gift a few years ago. I made one good pot of coffee with it, then it never could seem to make good coffee again. I tossed the percolator part and made cowboy coffee, and it was great! I think the best coffee I've ever had.

Add one extra coffee cup of water over what I want, boil the water gently (may be a lower temp than lower elevations) add an extra scoop of coffee over what I want to match the water, let boil gently for a few, take off heat, let sit a few minutes, then pour carefully. I toss the last sip in the cup, and the last cup in the pot where the rgouds hang out. Very simple, and very good!

Pitchy · Post by **Pitchy** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 2:30 pm

casastahle wrote:
BlaineG wrote:I like my Braun dripper. The cooking thermometer sez it's 190....I have to admit, my blue w/white spots perker makes good coffee, too.
Blaine ya didn't let me down
Somehow I knew you had a blue & white speckled perk pot too
I have a good feeling o'll Pitchster has one or two as well

Like these.

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 3:06 pm

Yep, you got some real classics there Pitchy

olyinaz · Post by **olyinaz** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 5:14 pm

As long as it has the V shaped grounds basket I find that drip machines do just fine, but I like the Keurig machines quite a lot. I don't like or want coffee that's too hot but I don't like it weak ether, so the key passed on to me is the grind (very fine) and the V shaped basket and filter. I've never had a good cup of coffee out of a flat basket drip machine but I suspect a percolator could get the job done - I just don't have any experience with one.

And I have to say that despite my mother being named Mrs. Olson and using Folgers coffee brewed in a percolator, it was some terrible coffee! Tasted pretty much exactly like Army coffee!! Yeesh... [Sorry Mom.]

Oly

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 11:28 am

olyinaz wrote:As long as it has the V shaped grounds basket I find that drip machines do just fine, but I like the Keurig machines quite a lot. I don't like or want coffee that's too hot but I don't like it weak ether, so the key passed on to me is the grind (very fine) and the V shaped basket and filter. I've never had a good cup of coffee out of a flat basket drip machine but I suspect a percolator could get the job done - I just don't have any experience with one.

And I have to say that despite my mother being named Mrs. Olson and using Folgers coffee brewed in a percolator, it was some terrible coffee! Tasted pretty much exactly like Army coffee!! Yeesh... [Sorry Mom.]

Oly

Try their Black Silk (available in the K-cups). It's a considerable step up from their "canned" coffee.

RustyJr · Post by **RustyJr** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 11:46 am

I definitely prefer coffee out of a percolator. My dad likes his french press (they say it makes the best coffee) but I still prefer the percolator. As far as the brand of coffee goes . . . nothing to me tastes better than Dunkin Donuts brand of coffee. After reading this thread I think I'm going to go put a pot on.

RustyJr

Ji in Hawaii · Post by **Ji in Hawaii** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 12:02 pm

casastahle wrote:does old school percolated coffee just taste better?
Done of coarse outdoors (back porch) over
my vintage 1978 Coleman LP stove.

Yup tastes better especially over a campfire in the woods.

I remember when percolating was the only way to make coffee normally. I lost my percolator during my move from Maui.

Two of my favorite smells are fresh brewed coffee, and frying bacon.

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 5:41 pm

You're right about that Ji, and together they are just pure delight. The only thing even close is some of that salty country ham with red eye gravy.

As Jr said, I use a press now but had a vacuum maker in the past I bought at a yard sale. I never knew what they called them before. Now I think I'll look for one.

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 6:10 pm

ALL coffee tastes like POOH !

Hot tea is no better .

Weak weak unsweetened iced tea isn't so bad .

I'd rather drink milk , water or diet blueberry juice .

FWiedner · Post by **FWiedner** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 6:45 pm

I think that coffee pot is just a part of your collection.

Way too clean to have ever made even one decent cup of real coffee.

Not saying that you don't have an actual percolator hidden behind your autoclave, but I notice that you didn't provide any photos of the... uh, "product."

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 7:51 pm

FWiedner wrote:I think that coffee pot is just a part of your collection.

Way too clean to have ever made even one decent cup of real coffee.

Not saying that you don't have an actual percolator hidden behind your autoclave, but I notice that you didn't provide any photos of the... uh, "product."

"Autoclave" ??? Are you referring to my big o'l corn boiling pot?

FWiedner · Post by **FWiedner** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 7:59 pm

If that's what you call whatever you used to sterilize that coffee pot.

Dang, dude... That puppy is clean.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 11:10 pm

FWiedner wrote:If that's what you call whatever you used to sterilize that coffee pot.

Dang, dude... That puppy is clean.

My coffee/tea cup is so black inside, I'm sure the beverage never touches the glazed inside.

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 4:22 am

BlaineG wrote:
FWiedner wrote:If that's what you call whatever you used to sterilize that coffee pot.

Dang, dude... That puppy is clean.

My coffee/tea cup is so black inside, I'm sure the beverage never touches the glazed inside.

LOL Blaine,
I have a daily use coffee-cup that's in the well used condition as yours.

FW,
As I said at the beginning of this thread,
"Every now and then I get nostalgic and take the extra time on a Saturday morning and perk coffee"
That pot is always well cleaned right after use and is put back on display in my man/gun room.

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 10:06 am

Had a beautiful Pyrex percolator but the stem broke.

Mostly just use a French Press these days.

FWiedner · Post by **FWiedner** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 12:09 pm

casastahle wrote:
BlaineG wrote:
FWiedner wrote:If that's what you call whatever you used to sterilize that coffee pot.

Dang, dude... That puppy is clean.

My coffee/tea cup is so black inside, I'm sure the beverage never touches the glazed inside.

LOL Blaine,
I have a daily use coffee-cup that's in the well used condition as yours.

FW,
As I said at the beginning of this thread,
"Every now and then I get nostalgic and take the extra time on a Saturday morning and perk coffee"
That pot is always well cleaned right after use and is put back on display in my man/gun room.

First of all, and on your topic, I agree. Few things are as satisfying or as downright tasty as freshly percolated coffee or pan fried eggs and bacon. I am totally on board.

I respect your devotion to the good maintenance of your collection.

That said, and for no other purpose than discussion, I feel compelled to opine that an unseasoned pot cannot make a good cup of coffee. Perhaps you have a particularly savory blend that you put into your percolator basket to disguise the fact that the ... um... 'history' has been scoured away?

You seem to indicate that you enjoy the process as much as the product, and I'm thinkin' there's nothing wrong with that.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 12:13 pm

When was at work, a Busy-Body complained about my coffee cup to management

It was evidently "too gross"

Gee, I sure miss all the incompetent bureaucrats at that place.

(sipping on my third cup of strong, Columbian this morning)

damienph · Post by **damienph** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 1:19 pm

BlaineG wrote:When was at work, a Busy-Body complained about my coffee cup to management It was evidently "too gross" Gee, I sure miss all the incompetent bureaucrats at that place.
(sipping on my third cup of strong, Columbian this morning)

I am not "allowed" to make coffee at work. Apparently it was way too strong. I bring my own from home now, who wants to drink colored water anyway?

Two of my morning necessities;

Not a purcolator, set coffee pot in another pan of boiling water on stove and SLOWLY pour boiling water into top of coffee pot. Really makes good coffee, and the aroma....

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 1:22 pm

BlaineG wrote:strong, Columbian this morning)

oh yeah you mean Columbian coffee !

Had a flashback to the 70's when Columbian Gold meant something else

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 1:36 pm

[/quote]

I am not "allowed" to make coffee at work. Apparently it was way too strong. I bring my own from home now, who wants to drink colored water anyway?

Two of my morning necessities;

Not a purcolator, set coffee pot in another pan of boiling water on stove and SLOWLY pour boiling water into top of coffee pot. Really makes good coffee, and the aroma....[/quote]

Now that is one very cool coffee maker.

I never saw one like that.
Where did you get it?

damienph · Post by **damienph** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 1:45 pm

In Louisiana, my family is from Vermilion Parish, Abbeville/Perry. They are common down there, I actually have two, this blue one and a smaller white one with red specks.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 1:47 pm

6pt-sika wrote:
BlaineG wrote:strong, Columbian this morning)

oh yeah you mean Columbian coffee !

Had a flashback to the 70's when Columbian Gold meant something else

Cups....not bowls, Dude...

bdhold · Post by **bdhold** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 2:03 pm

sorry, when I camp, I take a press and coarse-ground Sumatra, and IMO it beats any other cup of coffee ever conceived

FWiedner · Post by **FWiedner** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 2:15 pm

A pour-over makes a serious cup of coffee.

Very robust.

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 7:48 pm

BlaineG wrote:When was at work, a Busy-Body complained about my coffee cup to management It was evidently "too gross" Gee, I sure miss all the incompetent bureaucrats at that place.
(sipping on my third cup of strong, Columbian this morning)

I have a white ceramic cup emblazoned with Biohazard markings specifically to warn onlookers of the earthy-brown coating on the inside...

Cimarron Red · Post by **Cimarron Red** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 9:01 pm

You guys remind me of something I read somewhere a long time ago:

"Coffee perking, bacon frying, and the gleam in a woman's eye -- all promise more than they can deliver!"

shooter · Post by **shooter** » Tue Sep 25, 2012 12:56 am

I'm chiming in a little late, but I agree, percolated coffee is darn good. I very seldom drink coffee, but when I do I'm very particular. I drink coffee occasionally when hunting or camping, and it's always percolated. I should just get a percolator for the stove, too.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Tue Sep 25, 2012 2:10 pm

Cimarron Red wrote:You guys remind me of something I read somewhere a long time ago:

"Coffee perking, bacon frying, and the gleam in a woman's eye -- all promise more than they can deliver!"

Not the coffee and bacon

Ji in Hawaii · Post by **Ji in Hawaii** » Tue Sep 25, 2012 2:46 pm

Cimarron Red wrote:You guys remind me of something I read somewhere a long time ago:

"Coffee perking, bacon frying, and the gleam in a woman's eye -- all promise more than they can deliver!"

Two (coffee & bacon) out of three ain't bad.

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Tue Sep 25, 2012 5:38 pm

BlaineG wrote:
6pt-sika wrote:
BlaineG wrote:strong, Columbian this morning)

oh yeah you mean Columbian coffee !

Had a flashback to the 70's when Columbian Gold meant something else
Cups....not bowls, Dude...

Ahhh yeah yeah !

Let me go get a couple cups of Doritos for a "snack" after I finish this ahhh ahhh bowl !

What bowl officer it wasn't ME LOL's

Cimarron Red · Post by **Cimarron Red** » Tue Sep 25, 2012 7:41 pm

Well, OK. Probably not the coffee and the bacon.

JerryB · Post by **JerryB** » Wed Sep 26, 2012 3:45 pm

After reading this for a few days I just had to take a picture of my coffee maker. I bought this in 1975, there has been some good coffee made in this old pot. It has traveled by canoe and truck and been in some fine company.

Well boys, photobucket won't let me have it today. I'll try againin a day or so.

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Wed Sep 26, 2012 5:00 pm

wow! Never expected this thread to takeoff like this

Just goes to show, good company, hot cup of joe and gun talk
all go hand in hand. Guys this forum is awsome, but if you ever
get the chance to spend some live real time face to face with any
of the people in this forum, it's a must do. I spent an awsome
Tuesday morning with two of our forum brothers goose hunting
that I wouldn't trade for the world.